Ottawa residents must stand up against the regional cancer threat of uranium mining contamination

by Michelle Landry

As resident of the City of Ottawa I am concerned with the possibility of further uranium exploration, mining and milling in the greater Ottawa area. Uranium mining holds no obvious benefits to the residents of this City; however it does present a clear risk to the health and well being of our communities and our environment.

Please take a moment to consider the following potential health and environmental impacts of uranium exploration, mining and milling:

• Source Water Contamination – Uranium mining and milling poses a serious risk to Ottawa’s most significant watersheds, including the potential contamination of both the Ottawa River (source of the City’s drinking water) and the Rideau Canal System.
• Airborne Contamination – Prevailing West winds have the potential to carry toxic uranium by-products (e.g., radon gas and airborne radioactive elements)
• Local Food Source Contamination – Long-term viability of local farms located in the City’s rural areas could be compromised by virtue of their proximity to both uranium mining and milling facilities.
• Damage to Ottawa’s Tourism Reputation – Tourism is an important growth industry for the City of Ottawa, with over seven million visitors per year choosing Ottawa as their point of destination. Of these seven million visitors, approximately five percent (370 000) stay in local campgrounds, cottages and mobile trailer parks while visiting the capital region. Source water contamination of both the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal (recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site) could seriously damage the City’s reputation as a prime tourist destination.
• Damage to Ottawa’s Healthy Living Reputation – Accessibility of local green spaces, outdoor recreation and nature is often cited as a desirable aspect of Ottawa life. Source water contamination, active mining projects and associated health risks could undermine one of Ottawa’s key identifying characteristics, and competitive advantages for employers.
• Toxicity of Uranium and its Offspring – Uranium and its by-products, including radon gas, radioactive polonium and lead are widely recognized by leading health authorities as toxins, which have been known to contribute to fatal diseases such as lung and bone cancer, and lead to birth defects. Health Canada, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization refer to uranium, radium and/or radon gas as carcinogenic toxins.
• Long Term Environmental Damage – The Canadian Uranium Mining Industry’s legacy is less then stellar, as mining and processing projects in Bancroft and Elliot Lake Ontario has caused severe environmental contamination.
• Transport of Toxic Materials: Yellowcake, (the term for processed uranium) which is highly toxic thus requiring careful handling, must be transported to international markets. A spill near or within the City limits could put residents at risk.
• By-Products of Uranium Mining/Milling – Leftover waste rock and tailings become concentrated near the mine/mill site creating a long-lasting toxic waste dump, these tailings contain 85% of the original radioactivity of uranium, which can off-gas and leach.

The process of mining and milling typically involves the use of other toxic materials (usually acids) to extract uranium from the ore – the effluent and leftover heavy metals from these processes often remain on site.

In addition to their negative aesthetic implications and enormous consumption of water, mining and milling operations can result in water and wind-borne migration of toxins from their original site, which can be further exacerbated by severe weather or natural environmental events.

“Solar power, wind energy, bio-fuels, increased conservation---these sources are safe and clean. They don't create radioactive emissions or wastes, and will not be potential terror targets.” -Harvey Wasserman

In the neighbouring Townships and Municipalities of Eastern Ontario over thirty thousand acres of land have been claimed by uranium exploration companies – the closest, in the Lanark Highlands, being just 50 km west of the City’s boundary.

In response to the numerous mining claims, affected Eastern Ontario Municipalities and Townships have passed motions calling on the provincial government to immediately place a moratorium on further uranium exploration and mining in Eastern Ontario. This moratorium is being sought to remain in place until such a time that that all environmental and health issues related to uranium mining and native land claims are resolved.

Participating Municipalities and Townships include Kingston, Perth, Carleton Place, Lanark Highlands, Lanark County North, Frontenac, Central Frontenac, South Frontenac, Tay Valley, Beckwith

It is imperative that the City of Ottawa, the largest municipality in the Eastern Ontario, demonstrates both political leadership and environmental stewardship by lending its voice to the growing collective of local communities requesting Premier McGuinty to enact an immediate moratorium on uranium mining and exploration.

Further uranium mining is not in Canada's national interest. Canada, which exports over 80% of its uranium to the United States and Europe, has sufficient existing reserves to satisfy domestic demand for energy and medical purposes for approximately 180 years. Natural Resources Canada, reports that in 2004 there were 432,000 metric tons of uranium reserves in Canada. In 2004 Canada produced nearly 12,000 metric tons of uranium, while domestic demand was approximately 2400 metric tones.

Should Canadians suffer from adverse public health and related environmental degradation, as a result of the greed driven commercial for profit scheme of uranium mining?

About the writer:

Michelle Landry is a co-organizer of the Ottawa Coalition against Mining Uranium (OCAMU). LINK

Become a Member:

Would you like to see other similar articles and critical commentaries in The Canadian National Newspaper? Then, show your support. Make a member-pledge donation, in support of the Membership Drive of the Pro-Democracy Media Foundation.

The Canadian can only continue to publish investigative articles in such areas, with the donations from members of the public in Canada, the U.S., and abroad. Consider making a donation of $50.00, $75.00, $100.00, $200.00 or more. Donors are eligible to receive our first collector's print edition in mail. Alternatively, you can send us a note to be placed on our special email list of members. Member-donors can also suggest articles or commentaries to be published in The Canadian.

The Canadian is a socially progressive and not-for-profit national newspaper, with an international readership. We provide an alternative to the for-profit commercial focused media, which often censors vital information and perspective of potential interest to the diverse Canadian public, and other peoples internationally.

Become a member of The Canadian, with your donation-pledge. Help support independent, progressive, and not-for-profit journalism.